Rustico, in North Bridge Street, Sunderland, is offering a two-course meal for two people for just £10 as part of the Echo’s DealMonster online discount website.

Rustico owner Adrian Memaj, who has had the restaurant for two-and-a-half years, said the offer was aimed at giving diners the chance for a cheap meal out in the traditionally austere post-Christmas period.

He also hopes it will tempt more customers in to the North Bridge Street area, which is often overlooked by those looking for a restaurant.

“There are still a lot of people who don’t know about us, and we get people coming in saying ‘I didn’t expect it to be this nice in this side of town’, which surprises me,” he said.

“I know the offer doesn’t seem like it makes business sense, but I’m hoping we will get some new faces in.”

He added: “It’s running in January, when people are short of money, so hopefully it will encourage people to come down.”

The offer, which includes any pizza or pasta dishes from the main menu, works out at just £2.50 per course each – a saving of 58 per cent. Customers must sign up by January 3.

Rustico has its own parking area, and is also close to St Peter’s Metro station.

The DealMonster scheme offers discounts on meals, breaks and shopping in the Wearside area.